Thoughts

Have you noticed that the twinset has faded almost completely? Other than the most staid versions on the Talbots website, no one is even selling them. Maybe I am too classic (read: boring) in my taste - but I LOVE a twinset. There are so many pretty cardigans these days, so it would be easy, but it seems that ala Anthropologie, the trend has moved away from looking 'matchy-matchy' in favor of a more thrown-together, eclectic style. I like that style too, but - I'm waiting for the fashion pendulum to swing the other way...

...I'm going to San Francisco next week, and this time - I'm going to go to Artfibers! I've never made it there because I always seem to show up on a holiday weekend, but this time we will arrive Friday morning and I'm going there first! I think I may spring for some Kyoto. Artfibers will also design a pattern for the yarn you buy...so I will be able to make something fabulous, no doubt!

There's a great picture of a completed Eyelet Cardigan on KPixie's blog here. Tempting, no?

Also, I started a LMKG Chevron Scarf! I am totally addicted. I love the interplay of the flashes of color in the hand-dyed yarns I'm working with. Here's a progress shot:

The colors are hard to photograph, but this is pretty close. Hopefully it's not garish. I've decided to use all my sock yarn for more of these scarves! I may never knit another pair, but I can scarf along with the best of 'em!

Christmas Craziness

The Christmas season is in full swing chez sturdygirl. Husband and I are headed out of town this weekend for Family Holiday #1 with his family. Family Holiday #2 will be over Christmas Day with my family. Needless to say, the gift-buying, trip planning and organizing is intense! Luckily, I have been very cautious on the gift knitting or else I would be a basket case by now. As it is, I have had upset stomach and have been very cranky to my co-workers...so maybe I just need the basket. :)

Anyway, I did find time to make a warm scarf for myself. It will come in handy this weekend in Minnesota! Again, here's a cell phone pic:


I made this from Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky Hand Dyed in Lilac. This was SUCH a pleasure to knit. Very smooth and soft yarn, subtle shading, and fast! Nine stitches on US 15s, seed stitch. I love the look of seed stitch but I find it tedious - so this is a less taxing way to enjoy it. It took just a couple of leisurely evenings to finish. Three skeins and it's plenty long for wrapping around and tying if you want.

I've been trying to knit with alpaca lately to see if I'm allergic to it. I got a weird tingly feeling when I started a project with Berroco Ultra Alpaca, which made me sad because it's such a versatile, great yarn. So I knit this scarf, and I knit a swatch in a different color of the U. Alpaca. So far, no problems! I'm really glad, because after seeing myself modeling the hot new Ariann, I think I need that yarn! The alpaca gives it a great drape, and the yardage! Oh, the yardage.

Anyway, have a great weekend! Hopefully I will be back to posting more regularly soon.